Health Economist – Public Health Science Service
NHS Ayrshire & Arran is seeking a skilled and motivated Health Economist to join the Public Health Science Service. This is a permanent position within the Evaluation Team, offering the opportunity to apply economic expertise to real-world public health challenges and contribute to evidence that informs policy, investment and service design across Scotland.
Public Health Scotland was launched on 1st April 2020 as a national health board, employing around 1200 people, with an annual budget of around £101 million. The organisation aims to see a Scotland where everybody thrives, life expectancy improves, and the gap between the poorest and wealthiest areas shrinks.
Responsibilities
* Lead and deliver a programme of health economics work aligned to Public Health Scotland priorities.
* Undertake economic analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of complex data and evidence.
* Produce clear, accessible outputs to support decision-making.
* Provide expert health economics advice to support national and local policy, planning and investment decisions.
* Ensure findings are communicated effectively to a range of audiences.
* Collaborate closely with colleagues across Public Health Scotland and external partners, including Scottish Government, NHS Boards, local authorities, third sector and academia.
Qualifications
* Strong technical expertise in health economics, with experience of economic evaluation or applied analysis in a relevant setting.
* Confidence in working with complex data and evidence, using quantitative and qualitative approaches.
* Well‑developed communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to non‑specialists.
* Strong interpersonal and partnership working skills, with ability to influence across organisations.
* Desirable: experience working in or alongside policy or public sector environments.
* Any candidate who has lived/worked overseas for more than 12 months in the preceding 5 years must provide a criminal record check from the appropriate overseas agency.
Location and Working Pattern
The post is based in either Gyle Square, Edinburgh or Bothwell Street, Glasgow. Hybrid working is required; you will spend time in both PHS offices and have the option to work at home. Working hours: Monday to Friday, 36 hours per week. During public health emergencies, you may be required to work extended hours.
Condition of employment: you must reside within the UK for the post.
Benefits
Our benefits package includes a pension scheme, a comprehensive range of work‑life balance policies, occupational health services, learning resource centres and discounted leisure, financial and shopping benefits.
Inclusion
Public Health Scotland is a national NHS board committed to diversity, inclusion and welcoming employment. We support flexible working options, are an Established Carer Positive employer, and offer learning and development opportunities. PHS is an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident Employer and guarantees an interview for disabled applicants who meet minimum criteria. We are working toward becoming a trauma‑informed organisation. Reasonable adjustments can be requested.
Contact
For an informal discussion on the post, please contact Jane Ford, Public Health Intelligence Principal at jane.ford3@phs.scot. Posted 04 June 2026; Application deadline 12 June 2026. Further information on PHS is available from www.publichealthscotland.scot.
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